Biotechnology in 2026 – Gene Editing and More
As we dive into 2026, where AI and Automation already achieving an upper hand, biotech finds its way. There are a number of technologies that made news last year, for good as well as for bad. Three technologies are going to be life-changing and require attention, say experts. From Energy industries to Space biology, biotech is making its mark everywhere. In 2026, these three technologies could change how we treat disease, understand life, and even make choices about future generations. This includes gene editing, the revival of genes from ancient species, and a controversial technology like embryo screening that allows parents to select embryos based on personalised characteristics.
Personalised Gene Editing
Unlike the techniques of a few decades ago, which focused on making changes to DNA, personalised gene editing aims for high precision. This targets the DNA at the damaged site, using prime editing and advanced base editors, allowing tailored treatments for the individuals. The foundation of this technology is CRISPR, which is already being used in the medical sector to treat genetic diseases with great accuracy. These genetic technologies are becoming close to being integrated into everyday medicines rather than remaining a laboratory curiosity.
In August 2024, a baby named KJ Muldoon was born with a rare genetic disorder that allowed the accumulation of ammonia in the blood, leading to neurological disorders. This condition is fatal, and his only hope was to wait for liver transplantation. But with an experimental “base editing” technology, the treatment targeted the specific gene responsible for the disease and was edited, offering him a successful treatment. This motivated the team to plan more such treatments that could make genetic conditions curable and make the expensive treatment accessible. A gene-editing scientist at the University of California, Berkeley, Fyodor Urnov, assisted KJ’s treatment and also cofounded Aurora Therapeutics. This startup works towards developing a gene-editing drug for phenylketonuria (PKU).
Personalised Gene Editing holds real promise in treating diseases at their roots, even when other treatments fail. This also raises questions about safety and fairness. Careful testing, strong safety checks, and fair access will be needed if these tools are to truly help all people who could benefit.
Genetic Resurrection – Bringing Back the Lost
Advances in DNA sequencing and gene editing have made it possible to read the complete genome of extinct animals and then use that information to introduce specific traits into living relatives. While full de-extinction (bringing back animals like woolly mammoths) remains speculative, researchers say there may be shorter-term uses.
Colossal Biosciences, the biotech company, aims to de-extinct the woolly mammoth and dodo. The company created a “Woolly mice”, rodents with furry coats and curly whiskers like that of woolly mammoths. Another claim from them is the creation of three dire wolves. They are snow-white animals created by introducing 20 genetic changes into the DNA of gray wolves, based on ancient dire wolf bones.
Though the claims are debatable, the technology behind this is fascinating and opens the door for future research. These could include helping endangered species survive by reintroducing beneficial traits, bolstering disease resistance, or improving adaptability in changing environments. Yet, the ethical reason raises as to how a human can intervene in nature.
Embryo Scoring
The most controversial yet cheaper technique. Unlike gene editing and other technologies, this uses whole-genome data to assign scores to embryos based on predicted outcomes, and in some cases even traits like height or intelligence. Scientists stress that genetic predictions are probabilistic, whether they show risk or likelihood, not certainty, and many traits depend heavily on environment as well as DNA. The ethical concerns around embryo scoring are sharp. Critics worry it could lead to a new form of genetic selection with uncertain scientific grounding, raising questions about equity, diversity, and how society values human life.
Together, these three technologies – personalized gene editing, genetic resurrection, and embryo scoring show how biotechnology is pushing boundaries. Whether these advancements lead to medical cures, new conservation approaches, or controversial reproductive choices, 2026 could be a pivotal moment in how biotech intersects with everyday life.
